Warhammer 40,000: A Playful Guide to the Galaxy
Welcome, beginner, to a world where plastic turns into legends and paints into blood! Choosing your first army is like your first kiss – you’ll never forget it and you want it to be worth it. So let’s take a look together in a friendly spirit, so you don’t get lost in the galactic chaos.
Imperium of Man
Do you like it when everything has order, uniforms, and proper cannons? The Imperium is a galactic empire with super-soldiers, millions of infantry, and tanks. If you want to play the hero in shiny armor (or command massive tank formations), this is your choice.
🛡️ Space Marines
- Why choose them? They are the most famous faction and ideal for beginners. They are strong and versatile, so it’s easy to learn the rules with them.
- Playstyle: Powerful and durable killing machines. Whether you feel like close combat or ranged fighting in the morning, they can handle it.
- Key characters: Marneus Calgar, Dante, Roboute Guilliman.
💂 Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard)
- Why choose them? Because you’re a general, not a hero! While Space Marines save the galaxy, you win it all with an army of thousands of infantry and tanks. Quantity over quality!
- Playstyle: Tons of models, dozens of tanks, and lots of shooting. They fight at range and rely on firepower and artillery that crush everything in their path.
- Key characters: Lord Castellan Creed, Yarrick.
⚙️ Adeptus Mechanicus
- Why choose them? Are you drawn to robots, cyborgs, and technology that wouldn’t look out of place even in Star Wars? Then choose the cybernetic cult.
- Playstyle: Robots, special weapons, and technological superiority. They are clever and tactically demanding, capable of surprising the enemy.
- Key characters: Belisarius Cawl.
⚔️ Imperial Knights
- Why choose them? Do you want to win games with just three gigantic robots that can crush a car with every step? Then this is the obvious choice.
- Playstyle: A few enormous models, each incredibly strong and durable. They are played through dominance and shocking the opponent.
- Key characters: House Raven.
Chaos
So rules bore you and you want to enjoy some proper madness? Then join the dark gods! Here, if it’s insane, it’s good.
👿 Chaos Space Marines
- Why choose them? Want to be evil, but with style? These are corrupted super-soldiers with a demonic touch. Mutations, dark magic, aggressive style. What more could you want?
- Playstyle: Fast and assault-oriented units that throw themselves into close combat. They rely on surprise and aggressive tactics.
- Key characters: Abaddon the Despoiler, Ahriman.
👹 Chaos Daemons
- Why choose them? Don’t want to bother with plastic and paints? You are born from the emotions and desires of mortals! Send a horde of daemons at your enemy!
- Playstyle: Magic, speed, and devastating attacks. Daemons rely on numbers, but also on the power of their gods.
- Key characters: Skarbrand, Kairos Fateweaver.
💀 Death Guard
- Why choose them? Do you like slow but unstoppable advance? Plague, rot, and disease mean nothing to you? Then you’re wrong, because for the Death Guard that’s daily bread.
- Playstyle: Slow but nearly indestructible. Designed to endure massive damage and slowly spread suffering that weakens the enemy.
- Key characters: Mortarion.
Xenos (Aliens)
The Imperium doesn’t like them, Chaos hates them, and you want to play something no one expects. Then you’re in the right place in the Xenos section!
🤖 Necrons
Why choose them? Millions of years of sleep and now they’re finally back. Robots that can repair themselves and look like something out of ancient Egypt. Sounds pretty good, right?
Playstyle: Extremely durable units. They favor technology and regeneration. You play with robots that are very hard to destroy.
Key characters: Szeras, Imotekh the Stormlord.
👽 Tyranids
Why choose them? Want to play with overwhelming numbers and control dozens of models that devour everything in their path? These aliens are for you.
Playstyle: Crushing numbers. You play a horde of creatures that are fast, aggressive, and more numerous on the battlefield than you’d expect.
Key characters: The Swarmlord, Hive Tyrant.
⚔️ Aeldari (Eldar)
Why choose them? If you like elegant, fast, and intelligent gameplay, Aeldari are the right choice. They are clever and tactical warriors who rely on precision.
Playstyle: Speed, tactics, and psychic powers. Their units are fast but fragile, so you have to play smart.
Key characters: Eldrad Ulthran, Yvraine.
🚀 T’au Empire
Why choose them? Are you more of a strategist than a wild warrior? The T’au Empire with high-tech robots and long-range weapons is the faction for you.
Playstyle: Focus on ranged combat and destroying enemies before they even reach you. You’re weaker in melee but strong in shooting.
Key characters: Commander Shadowsun.
💚 Orks
Why choose them? Orks are brutal, funny, and love fighting. If you want simple but action-packed gameplay with loads of models, Orks are ideal.
Playstyle: You play with overwhelming numbers and rely on strength in close combat. Their improvised weapons and technology are a great bonus.
Key characters: Ghazghkull Thraka.